The Delta Sigma Phi fraternity will be hosting its first public event since their probationary charges were removed, which stemmed from incidents that occurred two years ago.

Plans for Deltafest began in early December and have since evolved into a night jam-packed with activities.

Delta Sigma Phi organized the free music festival, which includes eight musical acts that are scheduled to perform during the event.

The acts include the headlining Sam Lyons Band, as well as Better than Good Enough, Untamed, Beaty White, Jasmine Bianes, Nathan Hataj, Samantha Gathof with Rachel Bekel and 070 Kaki World.

Also, the night will include rock climbing, cookout-style food and Dairy Queen treats for purchase, as well as a bags tournament that costs $1 per person.

Gift cards to local restaurants and two one-month memberships to Snap Fitness will be distributed as prizes to the winners.

In the past, Deltafest has been an outdoor event, where students celebrated in block party style.

However, the fraternity is taking a new approach for the upcoming Deltafest.

“We decided we would have it on campus in the MPSC [Markee Pioneer Student Center] this year to draw in a bigger crowd and get all kinds of people involved,” Andy Hayes, senior chemistry major and secretary of Delta Sigma Phi, said.

Codi Akins, junior industrial engineering major and vice president of Delta Sigma Phi, said that hosting the event indoors also keeps issues with the weather from becoming a negative factor during the time of the event.

Deltafest will be sponsored by the organization Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol, which relates back to the decision to hold the festivities on campus.

“Taking alcohol out of the equation makes for a better event because it becomes inclusive for those who aren’t interested in drinking,” Kendal Kendrick, junior biology major and president of Delta Sigma Phi, said. “We hope that the event is even bigger than in the past so we are able to give back to those who have always stood behind us.”

Hayes maintains a similar attitude.

All proceeds and donations will be made to the Veterans Honor Roll of Platteville.

Delta Sigma Phi has a long-running history with veteran organizations; the fraternity has volunteered their time to help with the unveiling of a veteran memorial and has since looked for ways to increase funds to support the maintenance of the memorials by adding more plaques to its display, for example.

“The National Guard will be there sponsoring the rock wall. It will be great to see guys in uniforms representing the military while supporting veterans, which ties our whole purpose all together,” Kendrick said. “Plus, I’ve seen the rock wall at home football games and everyone seems to think it’s a good time.”

According to Hayes and Akins, the fraternity remains optimistic about the amount of funds they expect to raise.

“We have to remember that we’re reaching out to a college community,” Akins said.

“[The] last time, we raised $2,500, so getting $3,000 or even $4,000 would be great,” Kendrick said.

The fraternity encourages all students to attend Deltafest in order to not only have a good time but also see the good things that the chapter emphasizes throughout their involvement at the university.

“We don’t just want to make a good name for ourselves but rather for all Greeks,” Hayes said.

“We are really looking to get kids out of the dorms and connect with people, both on and off campus,” Kendrick said. “We hope to see everyone there.”

Deltafest will be from 5:00-11:00 p.m. on April 25 in the Pioneer Crossing.